Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade, but I'm looking to buy the rights! I got...*scrummages around in pockets* $18.67 and some pocket lint? No? Damn.

So a huge thank-you to Little A Granger, Tyka's Flower, chibiduo and adbhut for reviewing. You may have noticed that this story finally has some cover art! That is the fabulous work of Tyka's Flower, who was inspired to draw it after reading chapter 3 of this story. Thank-you so very much, you have no idea how much it means to me!

No warnings for this chapter, sorry it's so short...

~3 days later~

"And then I knocked Boris' lights out! One punch and he was down for the count!" boasted Tyson between mouthfuls of food. His friends looked at him incredulously.

"No way!" said Hilary. "Kai probably did that while you were passed out!"

"Grrrr...I actually did do it! Though Kai did this totally awesome right hook that made Gideon kiss the ground!"

Several pairs of eyes looked at the Russian, curious to know if Tyson was blowing smoke out of his ass again. "He's telling the truth." If anything, the bluenette was actually down playing it. He hadn't mentioned that Kai had been unconscious for days and left out the fact that Boris had tortured him. He focused everything on their escape. Not that he had any scars to show off anyways; Kai had taken care of that.

Concerned for their friends and wanting to be supportive, all of the teams from the Third World Championship, the former BEGA team and Mr. Dickenson had shown up at the dojo. The only person who was missing was Daichi, and no one had heard from him since BEGA.

Although Tyson was having fun being at the centre of attention, he had left his and Kai's newly discovered powers completely out of the story as well. At this point, the only person who knew about them was Kenny. In result, there were gaping holes in Tyson's story on how exactly they escaped the criminal masterminds.

Upon their escape they discovered that the Blitzkrieg Boyz were alive and well. Boris had rigged the building to explode, and when it did, Spencer had carried both an unconscious Tala and Bryan over his brood shoulders and out of the rubble. All three had spent a night in hospital, but were released the following afternoon with a clean bill of health.

Hiwatari Enterprises was now solely back under Kai's control. On Monday he was going to give all of Kusenov's supporters their walking papers and start from the ground-up...again. Luckily, the company still had its prestigious reputation.

For the moment though, Kai was leaning against one of the pillars outside the dojo, soaking in the sun. He was going to enjoy the peace. What made it difficult though, was all the glances Tala was sending his way and every time he caught his eyes, the red-head gestured to the BBA Director.

As much as Kai hated to admit it, Tala had a point. This was the perfect time, and if nothing else, it would take the last few weeks off of Tyson's mind. He finally nodded to the Wolf Master and watched him whisper into Mr. Dickenson's ear, before doing the same thing to Kenny, who was now in a wheelchair, they grabbed Emily and the 5 of them met in the dojo.

30 minutes later they all emerged from the dwelling and Mr. Dickenson cleared his throat, silencing the crowd. "Since we're all here, many of you have been asking when the next world tournament will be. After the damage to the stadiums at the last World Tournament and the Justice 5 Tournament, all countries have been reluctant to host any battles." There were a few glares directed at Brooklyn and Tyson, who just rubbed their heads sheepishly. "Well thanks to Kai and the BBA Research Facility, we have rectified that problem."

There were murmurs of excitement from the crowd.

"Kai has asked for a specialized stadium to be built to withstand high-powered attacks with larger beydishes. The BBA Research team has created a special energy absorbing glass to fulfil this request. Kai has also requested that the format for the tournament be single-player with a 3-strike system. Lose 3 battles and you're out of the rankings. However, I will be providing opportunities to earn back a strike by winning special exhibition matches. Some including tag-teams and battle royales!"

Tyson suddenly felt every eye in the room on him, he sweat dropped at all the competitive glares.

"Does everyone agree to these rulings?" There were several loud cheers. Mr. Dickenson then turned to see a very serious-looking World Champion as he walked up to him. "Tyson?" The teen gave him a huge smile.

"Can I say a few words?"

"Of course, be my guest, young man."

Tyson took centre-stage and everyone was silent. "I just wanted to say that I think this format is awesome. I would be honoured to battle each and every one of you in a fair match. All of you are so talented with such unique blading styles; but I want you all to remember the most important thing – that we are all friends and nothing can change that. Despite all of us competing, it doesn't mean we can't train together and cheer each other on! Above all else...have fun!"

Everyone broke into applause at the speech. Max muttered to Ray. "Not everyone could take the responsibility of being World Champion as seriously as Tyson does."

Ray scoffed. "I could do better." They shared a grin.

Kai looked at his rival and swelled with pride. Tyson had definitely matured over the years and had almost made it his personal mission to keep blading fun. That chubby- cheeked little brat who thought that he could get by on talent alone, had turned into one of the most serious and professional bladers... When did that happen?

The group was soon talking amongst themselves, and soon a few beybattles broke out between the hot-heads. Tyson caught Kai's eye and signalled for them to go inside the dojo. The dual-haired blader cocked an eyebrow, but followed the Japanese teen into his bedroom. The boy shut his door and locked it behind him. Kai's heart began to race as he tried to keep his hormones under control and didn't end up pinning his rival into the mattress and feverishly kissing him.

Tyson only leaned up against a wall and crossed his arms. He started chuckling. "Oh man, do I know you or do I know you? There just had to be some reason that you would show up out of the blue like that. 'Taking a break from work' my ass." His brown eyes flashed dangerously.

Shit. Tyson was pissed.

Tyson's voice suddenly became soft. "I only wish you had told me. Tala, Kenny, even Emily knew didn't they?"

Kai kept his mask up. "I don't need to explain anything to you Kinomiya."

"No, because I'm not important enough, right?" he shot back.

The little idiot couldn't be further from the truth! "Kinomiya, its nothing personal. I told you I would take every opportunity to battle you, didn't I? Well there weren't any opportunities, so I made one."

Tyson just stared at him, and Kai could practically hear the gears grinding and clicking into place. "Wait. You did all of this just so you and I could battle again?"

Now he get's it! The Phoenix Master smirked smugly. "Still think you're unimportant, Kinomiya?"

Tyson gulped. "You did all of this...for me?" His eyes brightened and the most beautiful smile graced his features. "Don't worry, I'll make sure we have the best match ever!" he paused and fear reflected in his eyes. "Will you be leaving?"

Kai shook his head no. "I'm really sick of Russia, and I still need to stay in Japan for work. Someone also needs to make sure you are taking your training seriously." he lifted an eyebrow when the baseball-capped teen started pinching himself.

"I have to be dreaming, because this is the best day ever!" Enthusiasm was soaked into every word.

"Heh. Let's see if you'll still be saying that when I get you up at 6am on a Saturday." Tyson laughed. Kai studied the boy. "How are you holding up after everything?" He had moved back home the night they returned. He had very much missed sleeping in his own bed. Scarlet eyes narrowed when the teen tensed up. "Don't even think about lying."

The Dragoon-wielder went to his bed and flopped back on it, his hands folded behind his head. "I just keep thinking about how he's still out there. Yes, I know he's in prison, but that didn't stop him last time, did it?"

"If he has the nerve to come back, we'll just take him down again."

"How do you do it?" Kai blinked in confusion. "How do you not let it get to you?"

Obsess over you. "I make myself as strong as I possibly can be. Always pushing myself and my blading ability beyond the limit. That way, if he ever comes back, I'll be ready."

Tyson nodded in understanding. "C'mon, let's go back to the party."

As soon as they returned, Kenny and Hilary (who was pushing the wheelchair) came up to them. "So we were thinking...Remember when we were all learning how to use the 'Hard Metal' system and we went up and trained in the mountains? Well a lot of these guys are saying that they would love to do that again."

A smile broke out on the bluenette's face. "Oh yeah! That would be awesome!"

Kai looked at Tyson. "You trained in the mountains?"

"Oh yeah, you weren't there for that. You're gonna love it Kai! Fresh air, super secluded, a whole bunch of different terrains for practice. We should totally all get together and train the next long-weekend!" he shouted the last part and there were cheers from the rest of the group.

"Whatever." Kai grunted. Truthfully he rather spend the weekend in the mountains with his secret love alone, but...it would give him the opportunity to check out the competition. He watched his rival go back to the party, well more specifically back to the buffet table. Just has he was about to go take a nap in the grass, Tala came up to him.

"Hey."

"Hn."

"I'm surprised you let Boris off so easy." He glared. "If it were Bryan and I in that position, I'd skin the bastard alive."

He met the glare with an icy glare of his own. "If I tried anything, Tyson would've attempted to talk me out of it and I was much more concerned about his well-being at the time." he looked away. "You might be interested to know I did kick the creeps hard enough to ensure they would never reproduce and stuck their hands down each others pants." he watched Tala bite back a laugh, amusement clearly evident on his face, until he processed what he had said.

"Wait. Tyson's well-being? He looks just fine to me?" the older Russian glanced over at the boy in question, who was currently shielding his plate from Max's mustard. Kai suddenly turned on his heels but Tala grabbed his arm. "What happened?"

Kai sighed, wishing he hadn't stayed anything. "Let's just say there's more to the story than what Tyson is saying and what transpired there is between Tyson and I." he tried to wretch his arm away, but the red-head held firm.

"Look, I know what Boris is capable of and the fact that you both made it out alive and completely unharmed is frankly, unbelievable." Kai just ripped his arm away, leaving a confused Tala, but as violet irises fell upon the world champion, he realized there was more than one way to get his answers.

Taking one last glance around for his moody boss, Tala struck when the baseball-capped teenager was on his fourth trip to the buffet table. "Hey Tyson."

The boy turned to him, looking a little surprised. "Um...hey Tala. What's up?"

"Just was hoping to hear about your amazing escape from Boris." he said carefully.

Mahogany eyes blinked. "Oh? You didn't hear how I totally made him kiss the dirt?"

"Well I was hoping to hear everything, not just the highlights." he grinned, trying to keep up the friendly disposition.

"Oh. Well there isn't that much to tell really. Kai and I were just locked in a cell after we refused to help with Boris' latest plan for world domination and the idiots left the door open one morning. Lucky break, right?" he laughed, rubbing the back of his head.

Tala had to give it to the kid; he was a damn good liar. That overwhelming confidence he exerted definitely worked in his favour. It was time to switch tactics. "Wow, three days in a cell with Kai, did you guys manage to have any heart-to-heart chats?"

"Nah, Kai was passed out for most of it." Brown eyes widened at the slip as the Russian's eyebrows arched. "Well, I can hear that chocolate pudding calling my name, I better get over there before it's gone!" Tyson then rushed past him.

Hmm. So Kai was passed out for 3 days? That was certainly interesting, especially since the longest he had ever seen the Phoenix Master sleep was 12 hours straight when he had come down with hypothermia. No, if he knew Kai, the man would've waited till the guards came in, then kicked-ass before high-tailing it out of there. But of course someone knew Kai as well – Boris. No doubt the madman figured out a way to keep Kai sedated with some kind of sleeping drug. But if Kai was incapacitated that left Tyson...he grit his teeth in anger...all alone.

Between their battle during the first championships, and what happened with BEGA...he had found himself feeling quite protective over the little group. Not only had they had opened his eyes to Boris' evil, they had taken care of him after his match with Garland. He had heard from Dickenson that they visited him often in hospital, and he was their first pick to be their blader in the Justice 5 tournament. If anything happened to any one of them...

He had to find Kai so he could figure out what else he was missing. He scanned the area, knowing that Kai would stay close so he could intervene if necessary. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth when he saw the familiar black shoes of his friend, Kai really could be so predictable. He approached the enigma.

"Didn't I tell you to drop it Tala?"

Damn those ears of his. "Well considering you were asleep the entire time, its no wonder! And Tyson's protecting you? Jeez, that's pathetic."

Furious crimson eyes snapped open and Tala suddenly felt hot and could smell something putrid. When he realized that his hair was on fire, he quickly ran and doused himself in water, successfully putting out the flames. He stomped back to the tree Kai was lying under, ready for a beybattle, when he failed to see or hear the blue blade. He looked to Kai, shock clearly written on his face. "How did you-"

"Take that as a warning. Mind your own business and don't talk to either Tyson or I about it again."

The red-haired Russian decided he didn't need to know anything else about their disappearance.

A/N- So there is the chapter...kinda boring compared to the other chapters, I know. But let me know what you think! I'll have the next chapter up in a few days :)

P.S- Why the hell is Tyson so damn hard to write?! xD